Protesters converged on Monday at the headquarters of the National Medical Services Laboratories (NMS Labs) in Pennsylvania, USA, demanding clarification regarding a toxicology test reportedly conducted at the facility to determine the cause of death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad.
Taiwo Odumosu, a member of the Aloba family’s legal team, disclosed this to PUNCH Online on Wednesday.
Previously, PUNCH Metro reported that NMS Labs denied conducting the toxicology test, contradicting claims by the Lagos State Government. The state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, had stated during a live telephone call that the test was being conducted at NMS Labs.
However, during testimony at the Coroner’s Court on May 15, a pathologist indicated that an autopsy couldn’t determine Mohbad’s cause of death due to body decomposition.
Responding to inquiries from PUNCH Metro on May 17, Esther Dede from NMS Labs’ Forensics Division stated, “Unfortunately, we do not have a case for that patient.”
The family’s legal team alleged discrepancies concerning NMS Labs’ involvement, pointing out conflicting statements and the appearance of NMS Labs’ letterhead on the toxicology report.
Protesters, seeking clarity amidst public concern over the test’s integrity, delivered a letter to NMS Labs, demanding an official statement on the toxicology tests conducted on Mohbad’s samples. They requested confirmation whether samples were received from the Lagos State Government or any Nigerian government entity.
In their letter, the Justice for Mohbad group and legal team emphasized the need for transparency and accuracy, urging NMS Labs to issue a public statement to correct misinformation and uphold its reputation.
“We understand the sensitivity and confidentiality of such matters and assure you that this request is made in the interest of transparency and justice,” the statement read, urging prompt cooperation from NMS Labs.
The protesters’ actions underscore ongoing uncertainties surrounding the investigation into Mohbad’s death and the reliability of the toxicology test results.
